UFC legend Randy “The Natural” Couture was preparing to make his National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) racing debut later this year when he lost control of his car at a racetrack in Kansas City on Tuesday crashing and suffering serious injuries.
The 62-year-old was airlifted to a nearby burn unit and is being treated for first- and second-degree burns, trauma injuries and smoke inhalation. TMZ first reported the news. Couture is expected to make a full recovery.
Last month, the NHRA posted a video to YouTube where Couture unveiled his Scag Racing Pro Mod.
“It’s absolutely real. No backing out now. I’ve got a lot to learn,” Couture said in the video. “I’m looking forward to the end of the month, spending a lot of time in his baby. Al Capone, the 1937 Chevy that Scag has so generously sponsored and got behind me to be a racer this year. I’m excited about the opportunity.”
“I’m excited about the opportunity. Excited about the challenge. I’m going to tap back into that competitive spirit that I’ve had most of my life and this is going to be my outlet for that now.”
The UFC Hall of Famer retired from fighting in 2011. He’s a member of the exclusive club of fighters that have won UFC titles in two different weight classes. The former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion was inducted in the UFC Hall of Fame in 2006. At age 43 years, 255 days, Couture became the oldest fighter to win a UFC title. He’s also the oldest fighter in UFC history to successfully defend a championship at 44.
He owns the Xtreme Couture gym in Las Vegas and is part of the PFL broadcast team. Outside of the fight game, Couture has starred in several films and television shows.
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